Wang Jianlin, owner of the Wanda Group, as he receives a jersey from Atletico Madrid officials. (Photo : Reuters)
Chinese fans of Spanish football team Atletico Madrid would have another thing to look forward to. Word is out that the Spanish squad is putting up 200 retail stores across China.
The stores would sell authentic merchandise of the team that exhibits the "fan culture" of Atletico and its supporters. The outlets would be put up in Wanda Malls, owned by Chinese tycoon Wang Jianlin.
Wang is the chairman of real estate developer Dalian Wanda, one of the biggest in China. He has recently become a minority shareholder in the champion La Liga team after acquiring 20 percent of its stake.
The move would boost Atletico's presence in the Asian nation. It would also see the biggest number of outlets ever established for one European team outside its national soil. Other Spanish powerhouses such as Real Madrid and Barcelona FC have not achieved such a feat yet.
While it may be the club's first foray into the Chinese market, Atletico Madrid saw the opportunity as a stepping stone to further increase their presence in the Asian market.
The Spanish team is in collaboration with Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenshua as part of "Project Wanda." Under the agreement, Atletico Madrid would train young players from the country to help develop their skills and eventually improve the level of football in China.
"Project Wanda" is participated by two other La Liga teams aside from Atletico, Villareal and Valencia, and has begun the training program in 2013.
Atletico Madrid would head to China this April as part of the squad's pre-season tour in Asia.
